The holiday season is a time for warm gatherings, festive cheer, and indulgent treats. Among the stars of seasonal baking, Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies shine brightly with their rich flavor and delightful crunch. Imagine cozying up by the fire with these delectable cookies, adorned with a smooth ganache and festive candy cane sprinkles. These cookies offer a perfect balance of chocolatey decadence and refreshing peppermint, making them an irresistible option for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply a sweet treat at home.

Why We Love This Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies Recipe

What’s not to adore about these Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies? First, they blend two classic flavors—rich chocolate and invigorating peppermint—that dance together in perfect harmony. The cookies themselves are soft yet slightly chewy, providing the ideal canvas for the glossy, chocolatey ganache. The candy cane topping not only enhances the visual appeal but introduces a delightful crunch and a festive touch.

Beyond flavor, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps. They bake quickly, so you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees satisfaction for your sweet tooth. Plus, you can easily double the recipe if you plan on sharing; there’s never too much of a good thing during the holidays!

Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies

To prepare your chocolate peppermint ganache cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients, perfectly balanced to achieve that delicious flavor and texture:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Gather these ingredients before starting for a smooth baking experience. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect ganache cookies that are both festive and flavorful.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies Directions

Now, let’s get into the heart of the recipe—making these delightful cookies! Follow these steps closely for the best results.

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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature throughout the process.
Creaming the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, take your softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a mixer, beat these together until the mixture is light and creamy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.
Adding Eggs and Flavoring: Crack in the two large eggs, adding them one at a time to the creamed mixture. This allows for better incorporation. Then, mix in the two teaspoons of vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Combining Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to eliminate any lumps and ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Bringing It Together: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Folding in the Chocolate Chips: Once combined, gently fold in the cup of chocolate chips. This creates delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the cookies.
Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Leave space between each scoop, as they will spread while baking.
Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cooling Time: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial to let them set properly.
Making Ganache: While the cookies cool, prepare the ganache. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to boil. Pour this hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl, and let it sit for a few minutes to melt. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Dipping in Ganache: Take your cooled cookies and dip the tops into the ganache, allowing any excess to drip off.
Add Candy Canes: While the ganache is still wet, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top for that festive crunch and flavor.
Let It Set: Allow the ganache to cool and set before serving. This will give you that beautiful finish and make the cookies easier to handle.

Now you have a batch of homemade Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies that are perfect for any holiday gathering or simply to enjoy at home.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies

When it comes to serving those rich and decadent Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies, think festive and fun! Here’s how you can enhance the experience:

Presentation: Place the cookies on a decorative platter. Consider arranging them in layers or creating a vibrant centerpiece with seasonal greenery and ornaments to match the festive spirit.
Accompaniment: These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of milk or a hot chocolate. If you’re entertaining, consider offering a selection of warm beverages, such as coffee or tea, to complement the rich chocolate flavors.
Gift Packaging: For a thoughtful touch, consider packaging the cookies as gifts. Place them in clear cellophane bags tied with cute ribbons or put them in a decorative tin. This makes a lovely homemade gift for neighbors, friends, or family.
Holiday Treat Table: If you’re hosting a holiday party, include these cookies on a dessert table alongside other treats. They will surely be a standout item, drawing guests in with their festive appearance.
Serving Temperature: While these cookies are delightful at room temperature, you can also serve them slightly warm for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

By incorporating these serving ideas, you’ll make your Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies a highlight of any occasion.

Expert Tips: Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies

To ensure that your Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, as it overdevelops the gluten in the flour.
Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of the ganache greatly depends on the quality of the chocolate you use. Opt for good-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best results.
Fresh Candy Canes: Use fresh candy canes for the best crunch and flavor. You can crush them using a rolling pin for a rustic look or use a food processor for finer pieces.
Test for Doneness: Cookies don’t need to be fully cooked in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set.
Experiment with Flavors: Although peppermint is a classic pairing with chocolate, you can also try different combinations of flavors. A hint of orange zest or a splash of espresso can elevate your ganache cookies to new heights.

By employing these tips, you’ll elevate your cookie-making game and ensure that each bite of your Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies is perfect.

How to Store Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies

If by chance you have leftovers (though that’s hard to believe!), storing your Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies properly will keep them fresh:

At Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last at room temperature for up to a week.
In the Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep the cookies longer, store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to seal them well to prevent any moisture from altering their texture. They can last up to 10 days when refrigerated.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or sealable bag. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying them.

By storing your cookies carefully, you can enjoy these delightful treats for days to come.

Variations of Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies

While the classic recipe is absolutely delicious, there are several fun variations to explore with your Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies:

Dark Chocolate Variation: For a more intense chocolate flavor, swap out semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate in the ganache. This gives the cookies a rich, sophisticated taste.
Mint Chocolate Chips: Instead of regular chocolate chips, use mint chocolate chips for an extra layer of peppermint flavor.
White Chocolate Drizzle: For a visual and flavor contrast, drizzle white chocolate over the set ganache. This not only looks stunning but adds a creamy sweetness that complements the rich chocolate.
Brownie Style: Transform your cookies into brownie-like treats by baking them in a square pan instead of shaping individual cookies. Cut them into bars once set and drizzle with ganache and crushed candy canes.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor. Nuts work beautifully with chocolate and mint.

Experiment with these variations to make the recipe your own. Each one offers a unique twist while maintaining the essence of the beloved Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies.

FAQ Section

What are Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies?

Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies are delicious cookies made with rich cocoa, enhanced by peppermint flavor, and topped with a smooth ganache and festive candy canes.

How do I make the Chocolate Ganache for these cookies?

To make the ganache, heat heavy cream until it just begins to boil, then pour it over chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit, stir until smooth, and dip the cookies for a decadent finish.

How should I store my cookies?

Store your Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies in advance and store them, or make the dough ahead and freeze it. Just scoop and bake them when you’re ready.

Are there variations to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different chocolate types for the ganache, add nuts, or incorporate white chocolate drizzles for added flavor and presentation.

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